This Christmas is different because Torvald, Nora's husband, has recently been promoted at the bank where he works. Nora sees this promotion as an end to her financial struggles and a way to pay off the loan that she secretly obtained to provide her husband with a long vaction that the family doctor insisted was necessary to save Torvald's life. Nora has been secretly working every Christmas, scrimping on the household expenses, and taking in sewing behind Torvald's back to pay off this loan. Though she has no intention of telling Torvald about the loan, she does anticipate a larger allowance that will let her pay off the loan more easily.

The conflict arises when Krogstad blackmails Nora in order to keep his job. He knows of the loan and knows that it was obtained illegally, since her father's signature as co-signer was forged. One might say that this Christmas is different because Nora knows that it will likely be the last one with Torvald if he learns of her deciet.

Use the links below to see a summary of the play and an overview of the play's themes.